Wednesday October 12 Crop Production, WASDE, + Ag News

 Celebrating National Farmer’s Day - October 12, 2022

During harvest season, it’s important to celebrate those who are driving the combine from morning to dusk, who stop only to grab a quick meal from a loved one, and who are working long, dedicated hours to do one of the most important jobs in the world. That’s why the Nebraska Corn Board is proud to celebrate National Farmer’s Day.

Most people can think of a farmer in their lives: a father, a mother, a neighbor, or themselves. Only 2% of the population work to feed the world, meaning all farmers have an important task at hand. One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually, in the U.S. and abroad. There are two million of these farms spread across the country. In these operations, women make up 43% of the total number of U.S. farm operators according to the USDA.

As many can attest to, farming is much more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. In America, 97% of farms are family farms meaning they’re family-owned but most importantly family-operated. While there’s history in those acres and operations, farming has transitioned greatly. The total U.S. corn yield has increased more than 360% since the 1950’s. Today farmer’s use technology to efficiently use the resources of their land while producing more and more each year. This is evident by the increase in bushels harvested from 191.1 million bushels in the 1900’s to 1.79 billion bushels today.

“We are pleased to celebrate and thank Nebraska farmers not only today but every day,” says Kelly Brunkhorst, Executive Director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “With agriculture as the number one industry in the state of Nebraska, we pride ourselves in our farmers’ work ethic, determination, and passion for what they do.”

Next time you sit down for family dinner or wander through the aisles of a grocery store, thank a farmer. They deserve it.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on October 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2022 corn production is forecast at 1.60 billion bushels, down 14% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Area to be harvested for grain, at 9.30 million acres, is down 3% from a year ago. Yield is forecast at 172 bushels per acre, down 22 bushels from last year.

Sorghum for grain is forecast at 14.8 million bushels, down 25% from last year. Area for harvest, at 265,000 acres, is up 15% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 56 bushels per acre, down 30 bushels from last year.

Soybean production is forecast at 279 million bushels, down 20% from last year. Area for harvest, at 5.70 million acres, is up 2% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 49 bushels per acre, down 14 bushels from last year.

Alfalfa hay production, at 2.92 million tons, is down 22% from last year. Area for harvest, at 810,000 acres, is down 11% from a year ago. Yield of 3.60 tons per acre is down 0.50 ton per acre from 2021. All other hay production, at 2.10 million tons, is down 18% from last year. Area for harvest, at 1.50 million acres, is down 9% from a year ago. Yield of 1.40 tons per acre is down 0.15 ton from 2021.



Iowa Crop Production Estimate

Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.49 billion bushels, down 2 percent from the previous year, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 200.0 bushels per acre, unchanged from the September 1 forecast but down 4.0 bushels per acre from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 12.9 million acres. An estimated 12.5 million of the acres planted will be harvested for grain.

Soybean production is forecast at 581 million bushels, down 8 percent from the previous year. The yield is forecast at 58.0 bushels per acre, down 1.0 bushel per acre from the September 1 forecast and down 5.0 bushels per acre from 2021. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 10.1 million acres with 10.0 million acres to be harvested.

Production of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures for hay is forecast at 2.36 million tons, down 26 percent from the previous year. Yield is expected to average 3.80 tons per acre, up 0.30 ton per acre from last year. Production of other hay is forecast at 820,000 tons, down 13 percent from last year. Yield for other hay is expected to average 2.00 tons per acre, down 0.70 ton per acre from last year.

The forecasts in this report are based on October 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next crop production forecasts, based on conditions as of November 1, will be released on November 9.



US Crop Production Estimate - Oct 12, '22

Corn production for grain is forecast at 13.9 billion bushels, down less than 1 percent from the previous forecast and down 8 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 171.9 bushels per harvested acre, down 0.6 bushel from the previous forecast and down 4.8 bushels from last year. After a thorough review of all available data, acreage estimates are unchanged from last month. Total planted area, at 88.6 million acres, is unchanged from the previous estimate but down 5 percent from the previous year. Area harvested for grain, forecast at 80.8 million acres, is unchanged from the previous forecast but down 5 percent from the previous year.

Soybean production for beans is forecast at 4.31 billion bushels, down 1 percent from the previous forecast and down 3 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 49.8 bushels per acre, down 0.7 bushel from the previous forecast and down 1.9 bushels from 2021. After a thorough review of all available data acreage estimates are unchanged from last month. Total planted area, at 87.5 million acres, is unchanged from the previous estimate but up less than 1 percent from the previous year. Area harvested for beans in the United States is forecast at 86.6 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up less than 1 percent from 2021.



WASDE Report - Oct 12, '22

COARSE GRAINS: This month’s 2022/23 U.S. corn outlook is for reduced supplies, greater feed and residual use, lower exports and corn used for ethanol, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 13.895 billion bushels, down 49 million on a reduction in yield to 171.9 bushels per acre. Corn supplies are forecast at 15.322 billion bushels, a decline of 172 million bushels from last month, as lower production and beginning stocks are partially offset by higher imports. Exports are lowered 125 million bushels reflecting smaller supplies and slow early-season demand. Projected feed and residual use is raised 50 million bushels based on indicated disappearance during 2021/22. Corn used for ethanol is lowered 50 million bushels. With supply falling more than use, corn ending stocks for 2022/23 are cut 47 million bushels. The season-average corn price received by producers is raised 5 cents to $6.80 per bushel.

Global coarse grain production for 2022/23 is forecast down 3.8 million tons to 1,459.8 million. The 2022/23 foreign coarse grain outlook is for lower production, greater trade, and smaller stocks relative to last month. Foreign corn production is reduced as declines for the EU and Serbia are partly offset by an increase for India. EU corn production is lowered reflecting reductions for Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and France. India corn production is raised based on the latest government statistics.

Corn exports are raised for Ukraine and India but lowered for the United States and Serbia. For 2021/22, corn exports for Argentina are lowered for the local marketing year beginning March 2022 based on shipments through the month of September. For 2022/23, corn imports are lowered for Iran, Japan, and Vietnam, but raised for the EU and United States. Foreign corn ending stocks are down, mostly reflecting reductions for China and Ukraine. Global corn stocks, at 301.2 million tons, are down 3.3 million.

OILSEEDS: U.S. oilseed production for 2022/23 is forecasted at 126.9 million tons, down 1.6 million from last month with lower soybean, peanut, and cottonseed production partly offset with higher forecasts for canola and sunflowerseed. Soybean production is forecast at 4.3 billion bushels, down 65 million on lower yields. Harvested area is unchanged at 86.6 million acres. The soybean yield is projected at 49.8 bushels per acre, down 0.7 bushels from the September forecast. With lower production partly offset by higher beginning stocks, supplies are reduced 31 million bushels. Soybean exports are reduced 40 million bushels to 2.05 billion with increased competition from South America. With lower exports partly offset by increased crush, ending stocks are unchanged from last month at 200 million bushels.

The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2022/23 is forecast at $14.00 per bushel, down 35 cents. Soybean meal and oil prices are unchanged at $390.00 per short ton and 69 cents per pound respectively.

The foreign 2022/23 oilseed outlook includes higher production, crush, trade, and ending stocks. Foreign production is increased 3.3 million tons to 519.7 million mainly on higher soybean and rapeseed production. Soybean production for Brazil is increased 3.0 million tons to 152.0 million, reflecting higher area reported by Brazil’s National Supply Company (CONAB). Rapeseed production for the EU is increased 1.0 million tons to 19.2 million on higher production for France, Germany, and Poland. Partly offsetting is a 0.5-million-ton reduction to 19.5 million for Canada’s canola crop on a lower yield.

Global 2022/23 soybean exports are raised 1.0 million tons to 168.8 million with higher exports for Argentina and Brazil that are partly offset by lower exports for the United States and Paraguay. China’s soybean imports are raised 1.0 million tons to 98.0 million with higher global supplies. Conversely, China’s canola imports are lowered 0.5 million tons to 2.3 million reflecting lower Canadian supplies. Global soybean ending stocks are raised 1.6 million tons to 100.5 million, mainly on higher stocks for Brazil.

WHEAT: The outlook for 2022/23 U.S. wheat this month is for lower supplies, domestic use, exports, and stocks. Supplies are reduced on lower 2022/23 production based on the NASS Small Grains Summary that indicated reductions in both harvested area and yield. This lowered production by 133 million bushels to 1,650 million, leaving production only minimally higher than last year. Partially offsetting the production decline are higher projected imports, raised 10 million bushels to 120 million, all for Hard Red Spring. Annual feed and residual use is lowered 30 million bushels to 50 million, based on first quarter disappearance, as indicated in the NASS Grain Stocks report. This is the lowest first quarter total disappearance since 1983/84. Wheat exports are lowered 50 million bushels to 775 million on reduced supplies, slow pace of export sales, and continued uncompetitive U.S. export prices. This would be the lowest U.S. wheat exports since 1971/72.

Projected ending stocks are lowered 34 million bushels to 576 million, which would be the lowest since 2007/08. The season-average farm price is raised $0.20 per bushel to $9.20 on reported NASS prices to date and expectations for futures and cash prices for the remainder of 2022/23.

The global wheat outlook for 2022/23 wheat is for reduced supplies, consumption, trade, and stocks. Supplies are lowered 1.9 million tons to 1,057.7 million on reduced production for the United States and Argentina more than offsetting higher EU production although world production remains at a record. Argentina is lowered 1.5 million tons to 17.5 million with reductions in both area harvested and yield on continued widespread dry conditions. EU production is raised 2.7 million tons to 134.8 million, mainly on higher government estimates from Poland and Germany.

Global consumption is reduced 0.9 million tons to 790.2 million on lower food, seed, and industrial use more than offsetting higher feed and residual use. World trade is lowered 0.6 million tons to 208.3 million on reduced exports by the United States and Argentina more than offsetting higher EU exports. Projected 2022/23 ending stocks are lowered 1.0 million tons to 267.5 million mostly on a reduction for the United States.

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY: The forecast for 2022 red meat and poultry production is raised from last month, as higher beef, pork, and broiler forecasts are partly offset by lower turkey. Beef is raised for the second half with higher expected slaughter as well as higher carcass weights for the period. Pork for the third quarter is raised on a higher-than-expected slaughter; no change is made to the fourth-quarter forecast. Broiler production is raised on current slaughter data and higher eggs set and chicks placed. Turkey is lowered, with an increase in the third quarter more than offset by a reduction in the fourth quarter due in part to recent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) discoveries. Egg production is lowered from last month on recent hatchery data and recent HPAI discoveries. For 2023, the red meat and poultry production forecast is raised on higher beef and broiler production. Beef is raised on higher expected placements in late 2022 which will be marketed in the first half of 2023. Broiler production is raised on expected growth in eggs set and chicks placed during the year. Pork is lowered on expected farrowings and modest growth in pigs per litter. Turkey is lowered slightly for the first two quarters. Egg production is raised, with a raised second half forecast more than offsetting a reduction in first half production.

Beef imports for 2022 are lowered on slower third quarter exports. Exports are raised on the current pace of trade in the third quarter but the forecast for the fourth quarter is unchanged. Beef imports for 2023 are raised. 2023 exports are forecast higher on expectations of firm demand in a number of Asian markets. Pork imports and exports are lowered for 2022 on recent data. For 2023, pork exports are lowered on tighter domestic supplies and weaker demand in several markets. Broiler export forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are unchanged. Turkey exports are lowered for 2022 but raised for 2023.

Cattle price forecasts for 2022 are raised on current strength in packer demand, but forecasts for 2023 are unchanged. The 2022 hog price forecast is lowered on recent prices, and 2023 prices are also lowered on weaker expected demand and competition from increased broiler supplies. Broiler price forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are lowered on higher forecast production. Turkey price forecasts for both 2022 and 2023 are raised with lowered production forecasts. Egg price forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are raised on recent prices and expectations of continued firm demand.

The milk production forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are raised from last month. The cow inventory is raised reflecting a more rapid pace of expansion in late 2022 and the first half of 2023. Output-per-cow is raised for the remainder of 2022 and into the first part of 2023. Fat and skim-solids basis imports for 2022 are raised, largely driven by recent trade data and higher expected imports of cheese and a number of other products; the skim imports increase also reflects strong milk protein concentrate and casein imports. Forecasts for 2023 imports for both bases are also raised largely on stronger imports of butter. Exports for both years are raised on expectations of stronger whey, lactose, and butterfat product exports. However, export growth in skim milk powder is expected to be slower in 2022.

For 2022, forecasts for butter and cheese prices are raised on current price strength, but nonfat dry milk (NDM) and whey prices are lowered. Both Class III and Class IV prices are raised, reflecting the higher butter and cheese prices respectively. For 2023, price forecasts for butter and cheese are raised while the NDM prices is lower. The Class III price is raised on higher cheese and Class IV price forecast is raised as the higher butter price more than offsets the lower expected NDM price. The 2022 all milk price forecast is raised to $25.60 per cwt and the 2023 all milk price is raised to $22.90 per cwt.



IOWA COMPANY SURRENDERS NEBRASKA GRAIN DEALER LICENSE

Global Processing Inc., of Kanawha, Iowa, Wednesday, October 12, surrendered its Nebraska Grain Dealer License to the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC). The company owns and operates facilities in both Lexington and Haigler.

On October 7, members of the PSC grain Department conducted an examination of the Haigler, and Lexington facilities followed by a detailed accounting of the company’s financial records which determined Global Processing, Inc., was operating with insufficient funds to cover its grain purchases in Nebraska.

“Through discussions with company management, it was determined that it was in the best interest of Nebraska producers/sellers that the company no longer be allowed to do business as a grain dealer in our state,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier.

By surrendering its license, Global Processing Inc., cannot take any action that would classify it as a grain dealer in the state, including, but not limited to buying grain from producers/sellers with the intent to sell such grain.

Commission Watermeier said, “If you are a producer/seller who may have done business with this company and has any questions we would encourage you to contact the PSC grain department.”



SOYBEAN RESIDUE VALUE
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension Educator
 
Baling of soybean residue after harvest has gained popularity again this fall due to higher hay prices and forage shortages following drought. Further, delayed corn harvests are also slowing stalks residue baling and stalks grazing. According to the USDA AMS Nebraska Direct Hay sales report, large round corn stalks bale values are $110 per ton versus $80 per ton for large round soybean residue bales.
 
So, the question arises, do soybean residue bale values justify raking & baling costs; reduced soil protection; and nutrient removal? Overall, soybean residue feeding value is less; since this forage is not as a palatable as other fall crop residues. Based on research, it is recommended to leave at least 2 tons of residue in the field to maintain soil organic matter; and even more cover residue may be needed to protect fields from wind and soil erosion. So, soybean residue baling is only recommended on fields where yields were higher than 60 bushels per acre linked with only 1 ton of soybean forage produced for every 30 bushels of soybean seeds harvested per acre.
 
For soybean fields with yields higher than 60 bushels per acre, lightly raking and baling a portion of the residue may be justified especially when forages are in short supply. Our UNL Nebraska Custom Rates guide pegs statewide average baling costs at $16.20 per acre and raking costs at $8.09 per acre. Then, the $55 per ton valuing difference between input costs and market price comes down to placing a final value on nutrients removed and possible soil and water erosion.
 
More crop residues information is available on our cropwatch.unl.edu and beef.unl.edu websites.



Public hearings set for Nebraska ballot initiatives

Public hearings have been set in October in the state’s three congressional districts for the ballot initiatives that will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The two initiatives that will be decided by voters are:
-    Voter ID Constitutional Amendment: Initiative Measure 432, which would require the Nebraska Legislature to adopt laws requiring presentation of valid photo identification prior to voting.
-    Minimum Wage Initiative: Initiative Measure 433, which would raise the state minimum wage from the current $9 an hour to eventually $15 an hour.

State law requires the Secretary of State’s Office to hold public hearings in each of the state’s three congressional districts to educate voters about initiative petition measures that have qualified for the general election ballot.

The hearings for Congressional District 1 are scheduled:
    Oct. 18, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (CDT) on the minimum wage initiative, and 6 to 9 p.m. on voter ID, at the Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1525, Lincoln.

Informational pamphlets about the ballot measures will be available at each hearing and are available in county and state election offices.

Information about the initiatives can be found on the secretary of state’s website: https://sos.nebraska.gov/.


UNL CAP webinar: 2022 Nebraska Ballot Initiatives
With: Dave Aiken, Water Law and Agricultural Law Specialist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability
Time: Oct 20, 2022 12:00 PM CDT

This webinar will explain three initiatives facing Nebraska voters this November, along with the positions of both proponents and opponents of each issue, and what their potential impact could be. Issue before voters in the state on Nov. 8 that will be covered are:
1. Local payments to expand commercial airline service
2. Photo ID requirements for Nebraska voters
3. Increasing the minimum wage from the current $9/hour to $15/hour by 2026

More information and registration at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



IANR TECH BOOSTS UNDERSTANDING OF FOOD CROP TRAITS, GUT MICROBIOME

University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers have identified specific sorghum genes and traits — including seed color — that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, the ecosystem of microorganisms living in the GI tract. This groundbreaking discovery paves the way for identifying additional traits in sorghum and other crops that have the potential to improve human health, as well as for the emergence of new crop varieties developed with microbiome health in mind.

The Nebraska Food for Health research project focused on sorghum seed traits, and its findings, “Genetic analysis of seed traits in sorghum bicolor that affect the human gut microbiome,” were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. The lead investigator was Qinnan Yang, a postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Food Science and Technology. Other Husker scientists contributing to the project were Andrew K. Benson, the paper’s corresponding author, and co-authors Mallory Van Haute, Nate Korth, Scott E. Sattler, John Toy, Devin J. Rose and James C. Schnable.

Among their findings, the researchers identified segments on nine sorghum chromosomes where genetic variations produce a significant effect on the microbiome’s fermentation activity. The scientists ultimately found an important connection linking sorghum seed color, tannin presence in sorghum seed and effects on microbiome organisms: Sorghum varieties with functional Tan1 and Tan2 genes had dark-colored seeds and stimulated the growth of a set of microbiome organisms including Faecalibacterium, Roseburia and Christensennella.

Identifying seed traits that encourage microbiome growth of these bacteria is medically significant because they are associated with a major health benefit: reduced susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease, as well as certain metabolic diseases.

Light-colored seeds failed to encourage such microbe production, the Husker research showed.

“Now that we’ve shown plant genes can control changes in the human gut microbiome, we can use our approach to screen hundreds or thousands of samples of different crops,” Yang said. “That makes it possible for plant breeding programs to harness natural genetic variation in crops to breed new crop varieties that improve human health by promoting beneficial bacteria in the human gut.”

For this project, Food for Health Center researchers used a multi-stage laboratory-based technique that duplicates the human body’s digestive and gastrointestinal activity by milling select sorghum samples and placing the powder in test tubes for processing and analysis. The scientists faced a major hurdle up front, because existing equipment for such study is large-scale and lacks the ability to process a high volume of samples in expedited fashion.

In this instance, Food for Health Center scientists needed to screen nearly 300 different sorghum lines in timely fashion.

After extensive discussion and collaboration, including with industry, Food for Health Center researchers solved the problem by developing a miniaturized, automated methodology they call “automated in vitro microbiome screening” (AiMS). At present, Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the only academic institution in the world using this innovative technology for seed-trait/microbiome analysis.

The Nature Communications paper is the first of several academic papers the IANR scientists are preparing from their AiMS-enabled studies.

These steps forward are a fulfillment of the vision that has powered the Food for Health Center from its beginning, starting with a set of preliminary papers Benson, director of the Food for Health Center and the Food for Health Presidential Chair in the Department of Food Science and Technology, and Robert Hutkins, a fellow professor of food science and technology, drew up in 2006-07.

The concept for the AiMS methodology “was nothing more than a pipe dream six years ago. Now, it’s turned into reality,” said Benson, director of the Food for Health Center and the Food for Health Presidential Chair in the Department of Food Science and Technology.

The AiMS methodology stands out for its versatility. Using it, Husker scientists can screen a large set of genetic material for only a small set of human subjects, or they can screen a large population of human subjects for a small set of genetic traits. They can study microbiome activity of healthy human participants but also that of participants with health challenges. They can study the gut metabolism of humans but also that of food animals. And the seed trait studies can analyze the microbiome effects from any food crop.

“It’s really a powerful technology,” Benson said. “The sky’s the limit on this.”



Bomgaars to Acquire 73 Stores from Orscheln as Part of Mega-Deal

Officials with Bomgaars confirmed the Sioux City, Iowa-based company’s acquisition of 73 stores from Orscheln Farm and Home as part of a larger industry mega-deal.  The transaction will make Bomgaars the second largest farm and ranch retailer in the nation based on total store count.

After reviewing the proposed acquisition for over a year, on Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the approval of Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Company’s bid to acquire Orscheln Farm and Home of Moberly, Missouri.  As a condition of mitigating anti-trust concerns, 73 of the Orscheln locations were required to be purchased by a third-party participant to the deal and Bomgaars of Sioux City, Iowa became the ideal candidate to complete this transaction.  An additional buyer purchased 12 other Orscheln locations.

“Today, we are pleased to announce that after a year and a half of very complex, multi-party negotiations, Bomgaars will acquire 73 stores in seven states, and experience an unprecedented level of growth for our customers, our community, and our company,” said CEO Torrey Wingert.  “While the federal approval process was at times equally exhausting and frustrating, our team and the Bomgaars family remained steadfast in their determination to complete this acquisition, and this collective commitment to do so was a big part in ensuring this deal was successfully concluded,” added Wingert.

Bomgaars executives confirmed that the 73 new stores would bring their total number of locations to 180 in 15 states throughout the central United States, while adding 1,400 new employees.  Additionally, as part of the transaction, Bomgaars will acquire Orscheln’s 330,000 square foot distribution center in Moberly, Missouri in October or November of 2023.

Orscheln locations in Nebraska to be retained by Tractor Supply (8)
Auburn - Broken Bow - Crete - Fairbury - Holdrege - Ord - Seward - Tecumseh

Orscheln locations in Iowa to be retained by Tractor Supply (12)
Atlantic - Boone - Centerville - Clarinda - Guthrie Center - Iowa City - Mt. Pleasant - Oskaloosa - Perry - Red Oak - Shenandoah - Washington

Orscheln locations in Nebraska to be sold to Bomgaars (9)
Gothenburg - Grand Island - Hastings - Kearney - Lexington - Lincoln - McCook - Nebraska City - York  

Orscheln locations in Iowa to be sold to Bomgaars (2)
Fairfield - Ottumwa

Orscheln locations in Nebraska to be sold to Buchheit Enterprises, Inc. (2)
Beatrice - North Platte

Founded in Middleburg, Iowa in 1944, Bomgaars is a family-owned business with headquarters in Sioux City, Iowa.  Said company owner Roger Bomgaars, “I am grateful to our executive team for their persistence in seeing this deal through to its ultimate and successful conclusion.  Our family is proud of our organization, each of our approximately 3,300 current employees, and the difference we make for our farm and ranch clients and customers every single day.”  Each spring, Roger and his wife, Jane, “road trip” across the country to visit their stores and have indicated that they are excited to include their 73 new locations in upcoming travel plans so that they can personally welcome 1,400 valued employees into the organization.



Managing Herbicide-Resistant Weeds in Soybean

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Oct. 19 at noon CDT will feature Prashant Jha, professor and extension weed specialist at Iowa State University. Jha’s research is focused on developing precision and sustainable weed management solutions in corn and soybean production systems. His work includes strategies to mitigate herbicide-resistant weeds that affect soybean crop performance.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Cereal Rye Cover Crop: An Ecological Tactic to Manage Herbicide-Resistant Weed Seed Banks in Soybean,” Jha will discuss methods for optimizing the performance of soybean crops through variables including cover crop termination timing, soybean row spacing and herbicide interactions which can manage herbicide-resistant weeds such as waterhemp and horseweed (marestail.) He will also introduce strategies to mitigate herbicide-resistant weeds through the application of multiple practices including cereal rye cover crops.

“Soybean producers in Iowa are facing increasing issues with herbicide-resistant weeds such as waterhemp – which has a demonstrated resistance to six or seven different herbicide groups,” said Jha. “Maximizing soybean sustainability and profitability with the current series of herbicide tools will require the adoption of Integrated Weed Management strategies. Cereal rye cover crops are one additional layer of mitigation that can be beneficial in the war against herbicide-resistant weeds while reducing reliance on herbicides. I hope participants in this session will come away with some new ideas on how to best utilize cover crops for these purposes.”

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar access instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT Oct. 19:
    Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.
    Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
    Or, join from a dial-in phone line. Dial +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923, with meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available online.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming webinars in the series
    Oct. 26: Matt Nowatzke, Iowa State University.
    Nov. 2: Adam Schnieders, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
    Nov. 19: John McMaine, South Dakota State University.
    Nov. 16: Sarah Noggle, The Ohio State University.




NCBA Denounces Google Feature That Misrepresents Beef’s Environmental Impact

On Tuesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) denounced Google’s decision to bias consumers against beef through their new sustainability search feature that provides inaccurate climate information on cattle production.

“Google is using its billions of dollars of resources to target cattle producers and ignore the science that demonstrates beef’s sustainability and value to the environment,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer. “Cattle producers have a demonstrated record of continuous improvement, which has led to the United States recording the lowest global greenhouse gas emissions from beef while contributing to food security for the world. Additionally, cattle production protects green space, upcycles grass and forages, and provides consumers with a lean protein source packed with essential nutrients. Google should seriously reconsider this feature.”

Livestock play an important role in protecting open spaces and account for only a very small portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating all livestock in the U.S. and removing beef from the diet would only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.36% globally. NCBA is urging Google to consider the science of beef production before making this new feature widely available.



Dr. Travis Park Named Director of Agricultural Education, FFA Board Chair and National FFA Advisor

The National Council for Agricultural Education (The Council) today named Dr. Travis Park the director of agricultural education, National FFA board chair and National FFA advisor. Amendments to the National FFA Constitution and Bylaws adopted by the delegates at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo stipulated that it is now the responsibility of The Council to appoint this leadership position. Dr. Park replaces Dr. James Woodard, who stepped down in May of this year. Cheryl Zimmerman, the executive secretary, is currently serving as the interim advisor.

In this role, which will begin on Jan. 1, 2023, Dr. Park will serve as chairperson of the National FFA Board of Directors, where he will provide oversight for the National FFA Organization. He will advise the National FFA Officers, the board of directors, and the National FFA Delegates and committees on policy matters and help the national officers conduct meetings. In this three-year renewable role, he will co-direct the joint governance committee of the National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees and serve as an advocate for issues affecting FFA and agricultural education stakeholders. As director of agricultural education, he will serve as an advisor to The Council and guide stakeholders in aligned strategic initiatives for agricultural education.

“I am humbled to be afforded this opportunity to serve agricultural education and the young people who are our future as national FFA advisor and director of agricultural education,” Dr. Park said. “The National FFA Organization has a rich history, and I am excited to see where the future leads us.”

Dr. Park is a professor of the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University. He served as the 1992-93 National FFA president and completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in agricultural education from Purdue University in 1996 and 2002. He taught high school agriculture at Tri-County High School in Wolcott, Ind., for nearly six years, where the agriculture program and FFA chapter were recognized for excellence at the state and national levels. In 2005, he earned his doctoral degree in agricultural education from the University of Florida. After graduating, he served as an assistant and associate professor with tenure at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., from 2002 until 2013. In 2013, he relocated to North Carolina State University.

He is the program coordinator for agricultural education in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in curriculum, program planning and teaching methods in agriculture. He coordinates the student teachers in agriculture, ensuring their placements, mentorship, and supervision in agriculture programs across North Carolina.

Dr. Park led the development of North Carolina State’s first fully online degree program, the agricultural science online major, to provide remote access to a robust North Carolina State degree. He is currently leading the effort to establish the Agricultural Communicators Program, a collaborative effort between the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

He and his wife, Lacy, are raising three daughters and currently reside in Raleigh, N.C.

“On behalf of our entire staff at National FFA, I offer our sincere congratulations to Dr. Park on his appointment to these prestigious leadership positions,” said National FFA Chief Executive Officer Scott Stump. “The scope of his roles impacts all parts of our organization. I look forward to working with Dr. Park and am confident that with his counsel and guidance, National FFA will continue to progress and grow.”



DTN: Average Price of 10-34-0 Starter Fertilizer Declines 6% From Early September 2022

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of October 2022 show most fertilizers are lower than last month.

Six of the eight major fertilizers are slightly lower in price compared to a month ago, while the remaining two are a bit higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

For the first time in five weeks, a fertilizer's price made a significant move. 10-34-0 was 6% less expensive than last month. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $813/ton. The remaining five fertilizers were just slightly lower. DAP had an average price of $934/ton, MAP $997/ton, potash $869/ton, UAN28 $565/ton and UAN32 $652/ton. MAP dropped back below $1,000/ton for the first time since the first week of March 2022. That week the average price was at $955/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month. Urea had an average price of $826/ton and anhydrous $1,390/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.90/lb.N, anhydrous $0.85/lb.N, UAN28 $1.01/lb.N and UAN32 $1.02/lb.N.

Despite lower prices in recent months, all fertilizers continue to be considerably higher in price than one year earlier. MAP is 20% higher; DAP, urea and 10-34-0 are all 27% more expensive; potash is 29% higher; UAN28 is 41% more expensive; UAN32 is 43% higher and anhydrous is 73% more expensive compared to last year.



Mosaic Announces Hurricane Ian Impacts

The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) announced today that North American Phosphates was negatively impacted by damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

Significant flooding and high winds were experienced throughout central Florida during the storm, and this caused modest damage to our facilities and to supporting infrastructure. As a result, early assessments indicate phosphate production could be down by approximately 200,000-250,000 tonnes, split roughly evenly between the third and fourth quarters of 2022. Repairs are expected to be completed over the next 1-2 weeks.

In addition to production impacts, the timing of shipments was also affected by the storm. Phosphates sales volumes in the third quarter are now expected to total 1.60-1.65 million tonnes, as port and rail closures delayed late third quarter shipments to October. Mosaic plans to provide further updates when it reports third quarter results.



Ag Buyers, Suppliers Head to Minneapolis for Export Exchange 2022

More than 200 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products from more than 50 countries are arriving in Minneapolis for Export Exchange 2022, ready to meet with nearly 300 U.S. suppliers and service providers across the value chain.

Co-sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council (USG) and Growth Energy, Export Exchange 2022 offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum, barley and other commodities.

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of this key event from the very beginning, when we saw the need to strengthen the global marketplace for distillers grains,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The growth in trade since then—with U.S. distillers grains now reaching across the globe—is a testament both to the value and quality of our product and the hard work of so many to build connections on behalf of the ethanol industry.”

“At a time when there is a clear need for international trade, Export Exchange is critical for our industry,” said Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. “It is essential for us to strengthen the bonds between suppliers and partner countries, and the connections made this week will not only help propel our industry this year, but for years to come.”

“We’re excited to welcome U.S. producers and international grain buyers to Minneapolis this week for face-to-face business and relationship building and an opportunity to share the important role ethanol and its coproducts, like DDGS, play in countries across the globe and in supporting agriculture,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

The global buyers have been broken down into 20 trade teams that have either been in the United States ahead of Export Exchange or will continue their visits after the event to see corn-growing states during harvest, explore DDGS production at ethanol plants, view port facilities and more as they build their networks with U.S. suppliers.

The conference runs through Friday at the Hilton Minneapolis. More information is available at www.exportexchange.org or on social media at #ExEx22.



Class Action Lawsuit Brought Against the U.S. Government on Behalf of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel from DiCello Levitt have filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Government, claiming the government breached its contract with socially disadvantaged farmers under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provides funding and authorization for USDA FSA to pay up to 120 percent of direct and guaranteed loan outstanding balances as of January 1, 2021, for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers as defined in Section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.
 
The lawsuit alleges the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent letters to Black, Native American and Latino farmers who qualified as socially disadvantaged under ARPA, promising to pay off their debt if they maintained or expanded their operations to strengthen America’s food supply during the COVID-19 crisis.

Instead, the government broke its promise to Black farmers, passing the Inflation Reduction Act and rescinding section 1005 of the Rescue Plan Act. In effect, the U.S. government replaced long-overdue, focused help for marginalized farmers of color with $4 billion in generalized help for a broad swath of farmers.

That breach of promise left Black and other socially disadvantaged farmers in foreclosure, jeopardizing decades, lifetimes, or, in some cases, even generations of family farming.

“This is 40 acres and a mule all over again, 150 years later,” Crump said. “In years past, the government promised land and animals to Black people who fought the Confederacy alongside Union forces, then reneged and left them with nothing. Once again, the U.S. government broke its promises to Black and other socially disadvantaged farmers with devastating consequences.”
 
With the assurance their debt would be forgiven, socially disadvantaged farmers invested in new equipment or land. When Congress repealed Section 1005 of ARPA and the USDA failed to forgive the loans, the farmers could not service the debt, jeopardizing their farms and livelihood.  
 
Class representatives include:
John and Kara Boyd, who own and operate a 1,500-acre farm in Baskerville, Virginia, where they grow soybeans, corn, wheat, hemp and other produce, and raise beef cattle, guinea hogs, goats and chickens. John, an Air Force veteran who is Black, is the founder of the National Black Farmers Association. His wife, Kara, who is Native American, is the founder of the Association of American Indian Farmers.
 
Lester Bonner, an Army veteran and Black farmer, operates a 113-acre wheat farm in Dinwiddie, Virginia, on which he grows wheat and beans.
 
Princess Williams, a Navy veteran and Black farmer, owns and operates a 73-acre farm in Lovingston, Virginia, and grows apples, melons, pumpkins, beans, onions and potatoes.
 
“The United States government must honor its commitment to us and to those thousands of Black, Native American and other farmers of color who are being forced into bankruptcy and foreclosure,” said John Boyd. “Black farmers are facing record costs for inputs like fuel and fertilizer and soaring land costs while battling droughts and extreme heat. We have days, not weeks and months, to save many Black, Native American and other farmers of color from ruin. ”

The lawsuit quotes USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack, who is named in the suit, testifying before Congress that “creating more equitable opportunities for Black farmers is a rising tide that can lift all boats.” Vilsack cited a study that found closing racial gaps in lending opportunities would boost gross domestic product and create more jobs.